Mesothelioma Patients May Be Low in Antioxidants

New research suggests that the antioxidant vitamins found in abundance in fruits and vegetable may have a protective effect against malignant pleural mesothelioma.

The news comes from a University in Turkey, where environmentally-induced mesothelioma is alarmingly common due to high erionite content in some small towns. Erionite is a naturally-occurring mineral that is structurally similar to asbestos, the primary cause of mesothelioma around the world. Erionite not only exists in the soil in these Turkish towns, but is also incorporated into hundreds of homes built from erionite-laden rocks.

In an effort to evaluate whether or not certain key antioxidant vitamins might protect people against the deadly cancer, Turkish researchers enrolled 160 subjects, 42 of whom had been diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. The remaining 118 were healthy. Test subjects were drawn from towns that were free of environmental erionite as well as from those that were heavily contaminated with erionite.

Because of their ability to neutralize destructive ‘free radicals’, the byproducts of metabolism, antioxidant vitamins found in foods and supplements are believed to offer protection against certain kinds of diseases and conditions. Lack of certain antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) can even cause illnesses, as evidenced by historic cases of scurvy among sailors at sea for months without fresh produce. Theoretically, because of their high metabolic rate, cancer cells produce more destructive free radicals in the body than healthy cells.

As predicted, the mesothelioma patients in the study had the lowest levels of antioxidant vitamins in their blood serum. The research team looked specifically at levels of beta carotene (Vitamin A), alpha tocopherol (Vitamin E), retinol, and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). The test group consisted of 51% men and 49% women, but there did not appear to be any relationship between sex and antioxidant levels. Likewise, there was no difference in the serum antioxidant levels of healthy people living in safe environments and those who came from erionite-contaminated areas. People without mesothelioma had consistently higher levels of antioxidants in their systems than people who had the disease.

Although the study appears to suggest that antioxidants may be protective in mesothelioma as they are in other conditions, many questions remain. It is not known whether the lower antioxidant levels existed before patients became sick and may have contributed to their mesothelioma, or whether low antioxidant levels were the result of the body’s efforts to combat the destructive results of the cancer. In addition, because the researchers did not examine the diets of test subjects, it is not possible to know whether the higher antioxidant levels in some patients came from good dietary habits, supplements, genetics, less stressful lifestyles, or a combination of factors.

Although there is no proven dietary method for fighting mesothelioma or other cancers, dieticians recommend a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains to maintain energy and stamina during cancer treatment. Always discuss any dietary changes with your doctor.

"It has been over four years now and I can honestly say I am doing great. I highly recommend this book because it is inspirational and educational."

— Tom Crittenden, Maricopa, Az.

*Note: We have limited copies available for free. Free copies of the book are only available in the United States, Australia and New Zealand.

Recent Article

Mindfulness May Help Mesothelioma Patients Cope

December 13, 2017

There is new evidence that lung cancer patients who receive training in mindfulness can dramatically lower their feelings of stress and anxiety. Lung-related cancers like pleural mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer have been shown to produce some of the highest levels of anxiety of any cancer. Although there are differences between the asbestos cancer malignant mesothelioma and other types of lung cancer, both malignancies tend … Continue reading Mindfulness May Help Mesothelioma Patients Cope»

Disclaimer

Surviving Mesothelioma® is registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Cancer Monthly, Inc. and the website is owned and managed by Cancer Monthly, Inc. All of the information provided on this website or by an employee or contractor of Cancer Monthly is for informational purposes only. This website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. This website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease and it is not a substitute for professional care. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to an existing treatment. You should not delay in seeking or disregard medical advice based on information on this website or by any employee or contractor of Cancer Monthly.